Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Uplifting Robot Story of the Month





As I've said many, many times before, I love Japan! Not only do the Japanese have monkey waiters and sumo wrestlers, they're now making robot suits available to the masses!

HAL (short for Hybrid Assistive Limb) is a 22-pound set of computerized leg braces designed to help people whose age or injuries prevent them from walking. HAL's computer system simply reads the wearer's brain signals and sends commands directly to the robotic legs. A promotional video shows a paralyzed person standing up and walking with HAL's assistance.

Now that's amazing! Read more here.

20 comments:

undiscovered universe said...

That is really awesome! Don't you think it would be a bit ackward in a crown though?

Anonymous said...

AMAZING!!! I so agree.

PeaceReaper said...

That's really cool! But how is it getting the brain signals? Whatever, it's still cool. Technology helping people is awesome!
I know some people are probably getting tired of reading this (I'm getting a little tired of writing it) but I must campaign my shirt if I want to win, and I want to win!!! For those of you who don't know, the website to vote for my shirt is www.dmtshirtdesign.com/view/ShieldOfRock. It would be really awesome if you went and voted for it. :D I seriously need your vote! :)

Patricia said...

Whenever I think of HAL, I thinkof 2001: a Space Odyssey. It's kind of a creepy coincidence, in my opinion.

ulooked said...

finally, technlogy being used for good!
"my faith in humankind has been restored."- Kiki Strike, the Empress's Tomb

Kitty said...

My grandpa needs that... o.o

Anonymous said...

Look how happy they are!!!!

liltomboyblue11;) said...

FYI, the anonymous that said it was amazing was me.

Irregular Kiki said...

They must feel relieved! I wish there was something for when you catch a cold.. It's horrible. I missed out on three days of school, but the advantage is I'll have more time to think of gadgets. (Muahahahaha)

nellie said...

Wow...at the risk of having an entire blog jump down my throat, I will say--that is positively scary. It sounds a little bit perverted to me.

Mrianda said...

Japan also developed some awesome pens that projected a computer screen and keyboard so you could have a computer in your pen. Pretty dang awesome, I think.

Kad said...

Is anyone else excited for the City of Ember movie that goes out in 2 days! I am. I read the book not too long ago and loved it. I am really excited. Plus the guy who was Doon Harrow(Harry Treadaway) is cute. lol
Is anyone else excited?

Irregular Kiki said...

Peacereaper: I like your t-shirt, I voted. I want to design one now.

Anonymous said...

i'm exited and nervous about the city of ember. in my expirince with books to movies, they have messed up quite a lot.
-max l.

Spring said...

cool!

PeaceReaper said...

Thank you, Irregular Kiki. It's nice to know that typing that link over and over is actually working. :D If you design a shirt you should definitely post a link so I can vote for it. :)

Anonymous said...

Kristen? Can we put an Irregular insignia on our designed devises?

Kirsten Miller said...

Nellie: Really?

Anonymous: Sure, why not.

nellie said...

Ananka: Yeah, I just think this whole business of redirecting brain cells is frightening. *shivers*

Cupcakedoll said...

I'm having images of Wallace and Gromit-- The Wrong Trousers!